The link below shows my fireplace. I used cultured stone (fake rock, cement rock, etc...) like ChristopherH mentioned. I highly recommend cultured stone because I did the work myself and it was my first time. It looks real and most people who come in my house believe it is real rock. You can really only tell it isn't real if you hit it with your knuckle. The feel and sound lets you know it's not real. I used an S type mortar and tried to get my joints as small as possible to give it somewhat of a "dry stacked" look. I actually framed my fireplace with dura rock and put a mesh wire (made for laying stone) on top of the dura rock. The stone was easy to lay and I would recommend using a grinder with a masonary cutting wheel to use for those few places that you just can't get a stone to fit. Be sure and wear safety glasses and a mask while cutting because it gets very dusty. The quotes I received to lay the stone (labor only) were from $1200-$2000. It took me about 12-14 hours with one helper to complete the job. I believe I did use sand to mix the mortar. Just check the bag or your supplier and they will make sure you mix it properly. If you do the job yourself, it may not look as good as it would if the best rock mason in your area did the job, but I can promise you that you will take a lot more pride in your rock work if you do it yourself! Here is a link that might be useful: Cultured Stone on My fireplace

So instead of going back on GW last night, I got sucked into watching the Notebook (again). I have a love/hate relationship with that movie. I hate that I love it. Thank you for taking out the time to respond. I dream about kitchens at night and it really is wonderful to get some help. Microwave - looks like everyone agrees that a GE Spacesaver is the way to go. I agree. Now, where to place it? Should I keep the frig where I currently have it and put it next to there? Or should I have the frig where I have it in my proposed layout and keep it next to there (above the DW)? Someone told me I should keep the cabinet above the DW for dishes coming out of the DW. But it also makes sense to have the MW right next to the frig. Banquette - StacyLH - love the idea. That's what I thought of originally but changed my mind because a lot of people said it was uncomfortable. After reading the threads on them on GW, I guess the trick is to make sure to do the banquette right so it is comfortable. I will do another search on GW to see if there is any guidance on dimensions, material, etc. on it (I spent 30 minutes on it this morning but haven't had a chance to read all the threads on it). Stacylh, I actually love the photo you found of the banquette. It looks perfect my kitchen and it also looks comfortable. I also need to see if I can get DH on board with it.

You need something quick and easy, if you want it done by Christmas! I like this huge Ikea map-- http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00316354/ and maybe add a couple of shelves http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09110872/ on each end for decorative objects and books. AuntJen's idea for a memo board is great, or a chalkboard or chalkboard paint. Maybe some adjustable wall lamps up above? I would not reuse your old wall decor-- in my opinion, the wall words are way past their peak. You could use the photos on some shelves. Here are a few ideas in photos--

Third, people who build truly custom homes are taking a huge financial risk and usually do not make money in the short run or the long run. They usually lose money, but they tend to live in a home that is well suited to their lives for a long time. This. I'm in a market that is booming with new construction, and the reality is, some of these homes will be valued hundreds of thousands less than the build cost when it comes time to sell. Anyone who thinks building a new home is a wise financial investment should research their own markets to analyze their risk. Very informative post, @homechef59 ! Thank you!